Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of what we believe to be a Swiss Infanteriegewehr (Infantry Rifle) Model 1863, the first Swiss army service rifle to feature a rifled barrel. There had previously been the very similar Feldstutzer 1851, the first the first service rifle used by the Swiss armed forces to be procured by the federal government, however it was only issued in limited numbers. Like other Swiss infantry weapons of the period, both of these would later be retrofitted with the Milbank-Amsler breechloading system from 1867 on.

This example is very similar to other examples of the Model 1863 we have seen, however it is a bit shorter than normal, and it is also in 11.5m caliber, not the 10.5 usually seen. It also features the Set Trigger usually only seen on the Feldstutzer 1851. It is possible that it is some type of transitional model, and in terms of lockwork and fittings, it looks just like a combination of the two firearms. It measures 52 inches in overall length, with a two stage part octagon 36 1/2 inch barrel in 11.5mm caliber, fitted with the correct tangent sight used by Swiss rifles at the time.. The only marking on the rifle is on the right side of the rear sight, which has 33 stamped on it under the tangent leaf.

Compared to the official measurements of 54.3in. (1380mm) with a 39.0in. (990mm) barrel, the rifle is closer to the 36.5in. (926mm) of the 1867 conversion, but that would have been reduced due to the breech block being inserted in the rear of the barrel. We would assume this is some variation made at the time, possibly even a re-conversion back to percussion, as we can see that there looks to be a joint about 4 inches up from the breech plug, though that could just be how these were made originally.

Overall condition is very good, with a lovely color to the wood, and no major damage from use or abuse. The lock works well, though as it is a set trigger, it has no half-cock position, and when set is pretty much a hair trigger. The metalwork has a lovely matured patina from cleaning and removal of past oxidation. We checked the bore, and it looks almost like it was never actually used. There is no wear or oxidation of any kind that we can see, and the land and grooves are still crisp. The rear sight is present and work well, and both sling swivels are still present. It has the correct style ramrod with an enlarged end to use as a handle, while the other end is brass and intended to ram the cartridge in a patch down the barrel.

A very interesting Mid 19th Century Swiss Service rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1865
Caliber: 11.5mm
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 36 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 52 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.